Russia remains the main market, but other export destinations are also declining. Meanwhile, imports are rising, driven by Iran and Russia.
From January to July 2025, Azerbaijan exported a total of 16,740 tonnes of cherries, worth USD 20.81 million (approximately EUR 19.6 million). This is confirmed by the country's State Statistics Committee. It marks a significant drop compared to the same period in 2024: shipments fell by 35% in volume and 16% in value, representing a setback for one of the country's most dynamic horticultural sectors.
Despite the challenges, Russia remains the main destination for Azerbaijani cherries, accounting alone for 16,624 tonnes worth USD 20.66 million (around EUR 19.45 million). However, this also shows a contraction: –35% in volume and –25% in value year-on-year.
The other main markets show similar trends:
Bulgaria's debut as a new export market is also noteworthy, with 13.76 tonnes purchased for USD 28,210 (approx. EUR 26,560).
At the same time, the country more than tripled its cherry imports: in the first seven months of 2025, it imported 257.32 tonnes of cherries worth USD 288,840 (approx. EUR 271,400). Compared to 2024, this represents a 2.8-fold increase in volume and a twofold increase in value.
Top suppliers include:
The collapse in cherry exports highlights growing international competition, as well as structural weaknesses in the local supply chain. At the same time, rising imports suggest stable or growing domestic demand, possibly driven by non-local varieties or complementary seasonal windows.
For Azerbaijani producers, this opens a phase of reflection: diversifying export markets and investing in post-harvest technologies may prove crucial for boosting exports in the near future.
Source: freshplaza.com
Image source: SIA
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